02/15/2021
The Georgia Department of Public Health is currently administering COVID-19 vaccine in
Phase 1a+ which includes:
Healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, EMS personnel, environmental services, etc.)
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
Adults aged 65+ and their caregivers
Law enforcement, firefighters, first responders
Vaccine supply is very limited. Public health departments are scheduling vaccines by appointment only, as are most other providers. Depending on vaccine supply allocations from the federal government, it may be weeks before additional providers will have vaccine available for quicker and more widespread distribution.
COVID-19 vaccines have passed rigorous reviews and are highly effective.
Scientists had a significant head start developing the COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 is very similar to other viruses, which already have vaccines.
Testing was thorough and successful. More than 70,000 people participated in clinical trials for the two vaccines to see if they are safe and effective. To date, the vaccines are nearly 95% effective in preventing COVID-19.
There is no COVID-19 virus in the vaccine. The vaccine imitates the infection so that our bodies create antibody defenses to fight off COVID-19.
The first vaccination phase includes but is not limited to healthcare personnel likely to be exposed to or treat people with COVID-19, first responders, people at risk for severe illness and other essential workers.
Those who will be vaccinated in the first phase will be notified where to receive the vaccine. These sites will likely be at or near work and care sites.
Side effects are mild, temporary, and normal signs that your body is building protection. You may experience pain and swelling in the arm of the injection. Throughout the rest of your body, you may experience fever, chills, tiredness, and headaches.
